Featuring special guests:

We gather for the 40th time to celebrate the sacred Earth and the turning of the seasons in the mountains of western Massachusetts.

Our stories are the heart of our community.
We create these stories in many ways. Join us as together, we

Weave the web of community
Share in ancient traditions and new rituals
Learn through workshops and dialogue
Light the Sacred fire
Echo the rhythms of life with our drums
Dance to join the sparks flying toward the sky.
Honor young people coming of age with the community’s blessing
Form lasting friends and see families grow as we come together in community – learning, making music, celebrating with ritual and sharing our joy.

Since 1979, our community has re-emerged each May as hundreds of participants from many places and paths come together to live and learn, work and play in a setting apart from our everyday lives. We create and strengthen our spiritual community with

Ceremonies from different traditions, including our annual rituals of Dancing the Maypole and Weaving the Web of Community

Dozens of subjects such as ritual, meditation, activism, tarot, African drumming, dance and indigenous European traditions

Together we form a vibrant and joyful living community that expands outward with us when we leave.
We carry home new perceptions about each other and the world and we know that we build our future on this sacred Earth together.

Rites of Spring Program

Special Events

Opening Fire Lighting
On Wednesday night we come together from many directions to light the community fires of Rites of Spring. The opening ritual begins at 9:30 PM, with fire spinning, chanting, drumming, and dance, and concludes with a procession through the camp to light the central Community fire and the Ritual fire at Bear Rock.

The Ritual Fire Circle
The ritual fire circle has been a sacred space for deep community connection and personal transformation since the very first Rites of Spring. Everyone is welcome to drum, to dance, to offer food and water to others, to tend the fire, to share a poem or a song.

Maypole Ritual
We bind ourselves to Earth and Sky and fuel our path for the bright season ahead.

Weaving the Web of Community
Ritually weaving the web of community together, we create in visual form all our connections to each other and to all beings of the earth and we send out our visions for healing and growth into the world.

The Art Salon
Some of our artists share and talk about their work and how it connects to their spiritual practice.
Artists, contact us at artsalon@earthspirit.com by May 1st if you want to bring art to show at the salon. There is a firm limit of 4 smaller works or 2 large ones.

The Poetry Jam
We bring together our gifted poets and writers to share their work and the work of others. All are welcome. Let us know by May 10 if you have a big piece to present. poetryjam@earthspirit.com

Concerts and Dancing
This year featured performers include Wendy Rule, the Bardo Brothers, Will and Lynn Rowan, Sarah Stockwell Arthen, and Sam Long. We plan to have live music of some kind every night.

The Feast
On Sunday night everyone at Rites of Spring is invited to participate in a community meal and celebration including great food and entertainment.

EarthSpirit Auction of Goods and Services
This is your chance to help support EarthSpirit in the work it does all year long. Please contact us in advance earthspirit@earthspirit.com if you have something you would like to donate, or if you would like to offer your time to be a server at the Feast, or use the convenient section in your online registration form .

Carnival and Psychic Fair!
A special evening of fun, at the Merchant Circle, for vendors, crafters, astrologers, tarot/rune readers, and the like. Email earthspirit@earthspirit.com for more information.

The Village Builders Assembly
The two days prior to Rites of Spring are structured as a preparatory and community-building time for 100 experienced participants who want to help ritually and physically create the beautiful, connected and attuned environment that holds us all for a week. Those who participate can count on some hard physical labor and some meaningful ritual.

Presentations

The vast majority of excellent presenters at Rites of Spring are volunteers from within the community. We love the diversity that brings to the program and invite you to consider sharing the way that you practice by offering a workshop, ritual, discussion or performance for adults, families or our young people’s program.Program Proposals – Priority Deadline – March 21 Submit a proposal now!

The first round of program decisions will be made right after the Spring Equinox. Anything received later than that will be added to a waiting list and scheduled on a space-available basis.

Rites of Spring Culture and Community

Rites of Spring is designed to encourage interdependence as a community. People who regularly attend have created an extended and inclusive clan that arises out of the mist each spring and welcomes new members. This clan holds together because of a few simple expectations based on personal responsibility, some shared basic values and a personal spiritual connection with the sacred Earth. These expectations grow from a sensitivity and respect for other people regardless of spiritual tradition, race, gender, age, sexual orientation, or other differences, along with a willingness to engage in the daily practice of living in a community.

Newcomers
We want to ensure that people who are at Rites of Spring for the first time make connections and feel at home. We strongly encourage you to come for the full 6 days rather than just for the weekend, so that you have time to truly experience being part of the community.

We invite you to attend at least one morning Newcomer session as soon after your arrival as possible – even if you have attended other pagan gatherings in the past. These are led by long-standing community members who will introduce you to the history, community and culture of Rites of Spring.

Please be sure to mark the newcomers check box on the application form, so that we can welcome you warmly to our community. Thank you for giving us a chance to help make your first Rites of Spring more enjoyable.

12 Step
At Rites of Spring there are daily Pagan Twelve Step Meetings, open to all participants of Rites, and all programs are welcome: AA, Alanon, NA, OA, CODA, ACOA, etc. Members meet together to share joys and struggles, strengths and vulnerabilities, knowing that in anonymous sharing we can break the isolation and find strength. It is usually possible to arrange substance-free cabin space, so mark that choice on your application form. If you need a guarantee however, the best way to assure substance-free space is to bring your own tent.

Families and Young Adults

Young people are a vital part of our community and we aim to include them throughout the event.

Children
We design programs for all ages of children and for families. Infants and young children ages 1-4 are provided with a guided play space supervised by which is staffed by parents and other volunteers. Children ages 4-10 are offered workshops, activities and crafts each day designed to keep them connected to the spiritual purpose and natural flow of the gathering. We hope that families will come to the community rituals together and find many ways to enjoy being with each other and in community on the mountain. More information will be sent to registered parents in mid May.

Young Adults
There is a strong sense of community among young adults at Rites of Spring.
Following their Coming of Age or at about age 15, young members of the community are invited to participate in our “Next Generation” programs which are designed for individuals between 15-25. Newcomers who are in this age group are encouraged to join in.
Programs of special interest to young adults are scheduled throughout the gathering, and members of the Next Generation program may also be given particular roles in community rituals or other events.

Merchants
Our merchants are mainly craftspeople and artists. They have always been a big part of Rites of Spring and add a lot to the festive atmosphere with their beautiful handmade items. We encourage merchants to register for the whole week, and hope that you will take some time away from your wares to relax and to participate in other aspects of the gathering, especially the large whole-community events, like the Web and Maypole Rituals.

We offer one discount on full-week registration fees for merchants and another if there is an assistant who will be actively working at a booth. This will be automatically calculated when you register. Instead of a vending fee, we collect a 10% commission on gross sales at the end of the gathering to benefit our scholarship fund. All merchants must collect and pay Massachusetts state sales tax on items other than groceries or clothing. If you do not yet have a MA Sales Tax Certificate, you may apply for one at: Mass.gov website. The merchant area is outdoors and vendors provide their own set up with a size limit of a 10×20 tent. For more details, check out this Merchanting FAQ.

Rites of Spring Culture and Policies

Rites of Spring is an attempt to create a spiritual community that can work and live together. Over the years we have established certain guidelines that we must ask all participants to agree to before registering. If you do not feel that you can agree to abide by these policies, please do not submit an application form.

Rules established by the camp management must be respected.

Parents are responsible for their children at all times.

Do not bring illegal substances to Rites of Spring, do not use alcohol in excess, do not give alcohol to minors.

No smoking is permitted inside any buildings; butts must be disposed of properly.

No nudity is permitted in public areas.

No pets are allowed. We can refer you to a kennel nearby if you need one.

Rites of Spring is not a public event. Media coverage of Rites of Spring is prohibited without written consent of the organizers.

Photography is not allowed in ritual space. It is permitted at other times only with the permission of all included in the photograph. Please be certain that you have consent – especially from the parents of minors – before publishing anything electronically or in print, including on social media.

At Rites of Spring, consent is a “yes,” not the absence of a “no.” Please actively seek consent from others whenever it might be relevant.

We reserve the right to deny or revoke admission to Rites of Spring without refund for dangerous or disruptive behavior or for non-compliance with gathering policies.

Selected official event photographers and a videographer will work during the event. When they are active in this capacity they will be identifiable and will shoot only from one side of the circle. If you do not want to be photographed, please either make yourself known to them or simply stand on the same side as they are on. We are always glad to receive copies of photographs that you have taken at Rites of Spring for the same purpose if you are willing to share them with us.

Rites of Spring Location, Lodging and Transportation

We return to our familiar mountain-top home-away-from-home for Rites of Spring, a summer camp in the far southwestern corner of Massachusetts, near the Connecticut and New York borders. It is situated on hundreds of acres of woods, surrounding a huge private lake and abutting the Appalachian Trail.

We have wonderful facilities here – many camp cabins with bunk beds, 2 beautiful lodges, a big, rustic dining hall and kitchen, areas for camping, fields for rituals and fire circles, and a waterfront area which includes canoes and sailboats. Our friends on the camp staff provide lifeguards and boat supervision for us each day at specific times, as well as leading groups through the challenging high ropes course and climbing tower.

Recycling and composting are both available at the Dining Hall this year! Please use them as much as possible to support our efforts at maintaining a green and sustainable gathering.

Lodging
A cabin or tent camping space is included in your registration fee. You may indicate your preference for sleeping accommodations, whether cabin or camping, on your application form. Most cabins sleep between 10 and 14 people in bunk beds with shared bathroom facilities and hot showers in each cabin area. Several Adirondack-style “rustic” cabins are also available which sleep 4-5 people in bunks. There is electricity in all of the cabins. A limited number of beds in shared rooms are available in two heated lodges. If you choose a heated lodge, there is an additional charge of $60 per person, including children who are not co-sleeping with a parent. There are no small cabins or private rooms available.

Environmental regulations specify that no RVs or pop-ups are permitted at the camp. Sleeping in your standard sized van is allowed, but only with prior permission and only in specific areas. Space for tents in the Merchant area is extremely limited and available for merchants only by special arrangement. Merchants, please be sure to indicate a second housing choice on your application form.

All beds in each cabin will be assigned, so plan ahead. If you will be bringing a tent, please do not also sign up for a cabin space “just in case”. We will have some empty beds available in reserve in case of washed out tents.

You will be able to indicate your preferred lodging and cabin style on your application form. We try to accommodate all requests but cannot guarantee we can meet them all.

Choosing Cabin Mates
Families and anyone wishing to stay with someone specific in a cabin must complete the housing group section of the form. Choose a name for your group (one word, up to 10 letters), even if there are just two of you. Register as early as you can and make sure this section is filled out the same way on all forms.

Transportation
Our site is not directly accessible by public transportation. We will send out the address and directions to confirmed participants.

We encourage you to share rides as much as possible, both to reduce our collective energy consumption and because parking on the site is limited. Please let others know if you will have room in your vehicle or if you need a ride in the Facebook event, “EarthSpirit Presents Rites of Spring 2018”. We will also keep a list in the office, but direct contact works better.

Peter Pan and Bonanza buses from New York City, Boston and other major cities do travel to Lee and Great Barrington, MA. We schedule shuttle runs to the bus stations at specific times for a modest fee. Let us know on your application form if you need to be picked up. We need all bus pick-up information by May 13th. Taxis are also available in town.

Rites of Spring Application and Registration Information:

Rites of Spring begins on Wednesday, May 23, and ends on Memorial Day – Mon. May 28th, 2018. The Village Builders Assembly (open only to returning participants) begins on Monday, May 21. We also accept weekend-only registrations.

Advance registration is required for the gathering and the final deadline to register and pay is May 13.
Arrival times are:Monday: 11am – 2pmWednesday: 1pm – 10pmFriday: 6pm-9pmPlease Register Online if at all possible. You can pay with a credit card or send a check. Unaccompanied minors (under age 18) may be permitted under limited conditions. Please speak with someone in the office before applying.
Please direct any questions about your application to rosreg@tamelinproductions.com or call the office: 413-238-4240. Our office is staffed by volunteers so replies may take up to a week, especially in the early registration period. Thank you for being patient.
Confirmation and Directions will be sent out in early May. If you have not received your directions by May 14, please call the office or email rosreg@tamelinproductions.com. Before then, please be patient.

Meal Plans:
We offer a variety of meal plans for our participants, and options are outlined on the registration form. Participants may also choose to prepare their own meals. If you choose to cook on site, please plan to set up a camp kitchen and bring everything you need except ice for your whole stay. Refrigeration and kitchen facilities are not available for general use.

Note that meals are provided to all Village Builders participants up through Wednesday lunch.

We are able to provide food for omnivores, vegetarians, and those who are gluten-free. If you have other dietary restrictions, please plan to supplement the provided meals with your own items. We suggest that everyone bring some items for snacking, especially for your children.

Rites of Spring Registration Rates
We stagger rates to encourage early registration. All current “active” members of EarthSpirit may deduct a $10 member discount.

Payment must be received by the deadline stated, or you will be charged the rate for the later deadline.

Dinners Only Meal Plan

Weekend Meal Plan

Important – Registration and Refund Policies

All mailed or faxed applications must be postmarked by May 11. 2018. On-line applications with PayPal will be accepted until midnight May 13, 2018. All payments must also be received by May 13.
Credit Card payment is accepted through PayPal only, whether using online registration or sent to to rosreg@tamelinproductions.com when using a paper form.

Refund Policies:

Requests for refunds will be considered if received in writing (email is fine) on or before May 13. We cannot accept refund requests by phone, nor can we make exceptions to this date.

Refund requests received before April 20 are eligible for either cash or credit towards another Tamelin Productions event within one year. Requests received between April 20 and May 13 are eligible for event credit only.

Financial Aid
If money is the only thing preventing you from attending, please apply for a scholarship or one of the work exchange positions available, which usually involve physical labor – either working in the kitchen or with the children, moving equipment, packing up at the end of the event etc – or sometimes a job prior to the beginning of the event. Applications for Financial Assistance must be received before April 8th.

Applications for financial aid are a part of the general application process, and the earlier you apply the better. The more information you give us, including any special skills or abilities that could be contributed on a work exchange basis, the easier it will be for us to find the best way to help you come to Rites of Spring.

We include a space on the application form for anyone who would like to contribute toward a fund for further scholarships. We have always received enough money between these donations and the tithes from our Merchants to enable several people to attend who otherwise could not.

Confirmation
In early May registered participants will be sent a link to a private confirmation web page which will include directions, what to bring and all of the information you should need in advance. If you have not received this information by May 14, please call or email rosreg@tamelinproductions.com; before then, please be patient.

Unaccompanied minors (under age 18) may be permitted under limited conditions. Please speak with someone in the office before applying.

Please direct any questions about your application to rosreg@tamelinproductions.com or call the office: 413-238-4240. Our office is staffed by volunteers so replies may take up to a week, especially in the early registration period. Thank you for being patient.

Rites of Spring Program Proposals

Presentations
The vast majority of excellent presenters at Rites of Spring are volunteers from within the community. We love the diversity that brings to the program and invite you to consider sharing the way that you practice by offering a workshop, ritual, discussion or performance for adults, families or our young people’s program.

Hello Friends! We are so excited to announce that registration for Rites of Spring 40 is officially open! Come join us on the mountain to connect with the Earth, dance with Spirit, and celebrate this glorious community on it's 40th birthday!

Please join us for the 40th annual Rites of Spring!At the end of May, every year our community re-emerges as hundreds of participants from all over the United States and abroad come together to live and learn, work and play in a setting apart from our everyday lives.

Rites of Spring offers a week filled with over a hundred workshops, rituals and performances. As our circle fully opens on Wednesday and grows still more on Friday, together we form a vibrant and joyful living community that expands outward with us when we leave.

Come join us on this sacred mountain. Spend your evenings drumming and dancing at the ritual fire circle or listening to talented performers at our late night coffee house. Spend your days engaging in thoughtful conversation and joyful celebration. Leave with new insight gained from excellent teachers of many traditions and new friends who share an Earth-centered spiritual perspective.

Please join us for the 40th annual Rites of Spring!At the end of May, every year our community re-emerges as hundreds of participants from all over the United States and abroad come together to live and learn, work and play in a setting apart from our everyday lives.

Rites of Spring offers a week filled with over a hundred workshops, rituals and performances. As our circle fully opens on Wednesday and grows still more on Friday, together we form a vibrant and joyful living community that expands outward with us when we leave.

Come join us on this sacred mountain. Spend your evenings drumming and dancing at the ritual fire circle or listening to talented performers at our late night coffee house. Spend your days engaging in thoughtful conversation and joyful celebration. Leave with new insight gained from excellent teachers of many traditions and new friends who share an Earth-centered spiritual perspective.

We'll see you at the Welcome Gate!

Registration questions? Email: rosreg AT tamelinproductions.comInterested in submitting a program proposal? visit bit.ly/1EMQwN7

Please join us for the 40th annual Rites of Spring!At the end of May, every year our community re-emerges as hundreds of participants from all over the United States and abroad come together to live and learn, work and play in a setting apart from our everyday lives.

Rites of Spring offers a week filled with over a hundred workshops, rituals and performances. As our circle fully opens on Wednesday and grows still more on Friday, together we form a vibrant and joyful living community that expands outward with us when we leave.

Come join us on this sacred mountain. Spend your evenings drumming and dancing at the ritual fire circle or listening to talented performers at our late night coffee house. Spend your days engaging in thoughtful conversation and joyful celebration. Leave with new insight gained from excellent teachers of many traditions and new friends who share an Earth-centered spiritual perspective.